Normanton on Soar

NORMANTON ON SOAR MEN’S ASSOCIATION. At the time of writing it is considered unlikely that the 15th July and 11th August meetings (BBQ/Treasure Hunt and Petanque) will go ahead but, if circumstances change and guidelines allow them, these will be reinstated and publicised as widely as possible.

ST JAMES’ CHURCH RE-OPENING. The church was happy to hear the government’s announcement that they could open for individual and private prayer.

A rota of volunteers for opening the church on weekends and weekdays has been drawn up. They aim to be open each day between 10am and 4pm so the space will need to be cleaned each week.

After 12 long weeks of closure, they welcome this opportunity to reopen. For so many people, the period of lockdown has been painful, lonely and bewildering.

Many find solace and comfort by sitting in a church building and St James’ Church has given a warm embrace to all who come for over 900 years regardless of their faith or background.

Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped to give the church a good “spring clean” on separate days over the last week. In line with guidance received, all hymn books and orders of service have been removed from the pews.

The pews in the nave have also been roped off to encourage people to sit at a suitable distance in the chancel instead.

The porch door will be closed to stop birds getting trapped inside but the inner door will be left open to minimise the touching of any surfaces.

Hand sanitiser is available in the porch and by the chancel and they ask that visitors use it on entering and leaving the church.